Thinline Archtops

[Woody Sound]

Well you've all talked quite a bit about lower bout size, but what about the THIN part of a thinline? At what point does it become a "thinline," and no longer "thick?"

[Gitfiddler]

Gibson Johnny A, Ltd. Ed. SPRUCE Top

[docbop]

Well you've all talked quite a bit about lower bout size, but what about the THIN part of a thinline? At what point does it become a "thinline," and no longer "thick?"

Some of the new thinlines from Stephen Marchione and Victor Baker are getting VERY thin. Instead of center blocks they when they CNC the tops parts that a center block would of reinforced they leave thicker so the top doesn't need other pieces, then they make a chambered/hollowed out back. So the body is two pieces of CNC'd wood. At least that what it looks like from photos I've seen.

[rob taft]

Wow... that's a beauty!

Jordan, Thanks. With regard to the Eastman ElRey it is 2 and 1/4" thick at the edge which is about 1/2" thicker than a 60's ES335. Below is a guitar I had built by a local luthier who is a member of this forum. It has a wide neck to accommodate fingerstyle playing. It is 2" thick and 15" its widest point. I just can't deal with 3 1/2" archtops any longer. Especially when amplified. Another plus is the Eastman pictured weighs 4.50 lbs and the guitar in the link weighs just over 5 lbs.

[BigMikeinNJ]

I think 2.5 inches or less, ala Byrdland or these beasts

[h1pst3r88]

+1 on an El Rey ER4. I had one that I traded for with a fellow forum member. They are lovely guitars; "precise" was the word that always used to come to mind when I played it.

Partly because it's new to me, I would also suggest (if I haven't already) a vintage Aria Pro II TA-100. Smaller "mickey" ears than a 335, and with a solid carved maple top and ebony board. The MMK-75 pickups rip (which is taking me a bit of getting used to).

There is also an 1981 Ibanez AS-100 for sale on Boston CL that was posted today for $800 which seems a steal if you are after the Sco sound.

-Chris

[BigMikeinNJ]

?All great thinner guitars, the Crest is especially interesting being more of a 330 type. Can't fault an older Gretsch either.

[h1pst3r88]

BigMike, that first guitar is a beauty! What is it?

-Chris

[D.G.]

Speaking of thinlines, anyone had experience with Guild T100 or T50? I have it on my mind that if I ever need a hollowbody archtop again either of the two would be it. I don't think I ever go back to a full sized archtop- I'm spoiled by the tele!

I have a new T50. It's non-cutaway, so I tend to run into the bout when reaching for high G chord forms. It's plywood, which I prefer, and the pickup is pretty bright, which again I prefer. Full 16" lower bout, which is actually a bit bigger than I'd like but not really a problem for me at 6'1". It hangs well on a strap, unlike a full depth guitar, so it's a standing guitar for me.

I use it in swing bands when I want a more vintage look than my Aristocrat or my Brad Paisley sparkle Tele! Sonically, it's never let me down, though of course, I don't play it in venues with noisy electricity as it is a single p90.

[BigMikeinNJ]

BigMike, that first guitar is a beauty! What is it?

-Chris

Its my most recent Mr Wu

[Hep To The Jive]

I have a new T50. It's non-cutaway, so I tend to run into the bout when reaching for high G chord forms. It's plywood, which I prefer, and the pickup is pretty bright, which again I prefer. Full 16" lower bout, which is actually a bit bigger than I'd like but not really a problem for me at 6'1". It hangs well on a strap, unlike a full depth guitar, so it's a standing guitar for me.

I use it in swing bands when I want a more vintage look than my Aristocrat or my Brad Paisley sparkle Tele! Sonically, it's never let me down, though of course, I don't play it in venues with noisy electricity as it is a single p90.

Nice! I was thinking of those too, but the funny thing is the vintage T50s are not really that much pricier than the new ones. I'd also have to replace P90 with some humbucker. Single coils are just not practical here.

Is the neck narrow on the new ones, like 1 5/8 nut width, with 9.5 radius? This is important for me to have a narrow neck, I usually do not bond with 1 11/16 or wider necks. Is feedback an issue?

[feet]

Well you've all talked quite a bit about lower bout size, but what about the THIN part of a thinline? At what point does it become a "thinline," and no longer "thick?"

to my mind:

under 1.75"- verythin
1.75" -thinline
2-2.25" thin(ish)
2.5" and up- just a hollow body

that may be a little stringent for most, but i play giant guitars all the time and that's how i see it. the larger ones don't bother me for the most part, though. 2.5" is much less than 4" but that doesn't make it thin to me, just less fat.

I use it in swing bands when I want a more vintage look than my Aristocrat or my Brad Paisley sparkle Tele! Sonically, it's never let me down, though of course, I don't play it in venues with noisy electricity as it is a single p90.

i'd like to hear a comparison between the t50 and the aristocrat, if you would. just curious. thought both guilds were cool and deeply considered both at one point. the lack of after market options for the pickup worries me a bit if it isn't to my liking.

as for the narrower nut, i deal with the 1 5/8" nut on my casino just fine, to my surprise. i do ever so gently feel it at times, though it isn't ever really an issue. nor is it my preference. i deal with 1 3/4" nuts just fine also, to my surprise, though i suppose i'm a regular old 1 11/16" guy for the most part.

[AKA]

+1 on the Eastman T145! Comfortable, extremely light, wonderful tone!! I own several boutique archtops and the T145 gets the most playing time.

Albert

[sgosnell]

I've changed my mind. I have a Wu carved top semi thinline, ~2-3/8" in depth, with a DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1100 mounted on it. I love the sound. It is coupled to the top by Blu-Tack, though, so it acts much like a set pickup without the hole in the top. I may never buy a humbucker again.

[Joeontheguitar]

Eastman T64. Not solid wood, but I've used it extensively in a rock band and feedback wasn't much of an issue, even though we played very loud. Great tone with it's P90's. I have TI jazz swings on it now.